Positions of Responsibility

From MeritBadgeDotOrg

Positions of Responsibility are leadership roles that Scouts perform. Some of them are appropriate for advancing to Star, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks.

In order to advance to the rank of Star, Life, and Eagle Scout, you must hold one of the following leadership positions for a certain amount of time. For Star, you must hold one of these positions for 4 months or more and for Life and Eagle you must hold them for 6 months or more.

Position of Responsibility qualifies advancement for: = Star, Life, and Eagle = Star and Life only

Cub Scout/Webelos den

The Assistant Denner assists the Denner at den meetings and fills in for the Denner when the Denner is not available. The Den Leader may establish a practice of the Assistant Denner becoming the Denner in the next term.

Boy Scout troop

The senior patrol leader (SPL) is elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop. He runs all troop meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning conference, and the patrol leaders' council meeting. He appoints other troop youth leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.

The assistant senior patrol leader (ASPL) is the second highest-ranking youth leader in the troop. He is appointed by the senior patrol leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. The assistant senior patrol leader acts as the senior patrol leader in the absence of the senior patrol leader or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop.

The patrol leader is the elected leader by his Venture patrol. He represents his patrol on the patrol leaders’ council and appoints the assistant patrol leader. He is lead by the Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture under the direction of the Scoutmaster.

The troop guide works with new Scouts. He helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class in their first year. He teaches basic Scout skills and works with the patrol leader at patrol leaders’ council meetings.

The quartermaster keeps track of troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order. He keeps records on patrol and troop equipment, makes sure equipment is in good working condition, and issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition. (Appointed by the SPL)

The junior assistant Scoutmaster (JASM) serves in the capacity of an assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He is appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability.

The Order of the Arrow (OA) Troop Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or chapter and his troop. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. (Appointed by the SPL)

The Troop Bugler should be able to make appropriate bugle calls, as requested, at troop activities. (Appointed by the SPL) Serving as Bugler can apply towards Positions of Responsibility requirements for Star and Life but notEagle.

Varsity Scout team

The Varsity Team Captain is elected by the Varsity Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the team. He presides over all team meetings, events, activities, the annual program planning clinic, and the team leadership meeting. He coordinates activities of the program managers and sets requirements and awards all Varsity Scout Activity Pins. With the exception of Cocaptains, he appoints all youth leaders with the approval of the Team Coach.

The Varsity Team Cocaptain s the second highest-ranking youth leader in the team. At the discretion of the Team Coach, one or more cocaptains are either appointed by the coach or elected by the youth team members. He stands in place of the captain during the absence or when called upon, and can function as a Program Manager for any field of emphasis.

The Team Secretary keeps the team records. He records the activities of the team leadership meeting and keeps a record of dues, advancement, religious award progress, and Varsity Scout attendance at team meetings. He conducts all boards of review for team members' advancement except Eagle. (Appointed by the Team Captain)

The squad leader is the elected leader of his squad. He represents the squad and is a voting member of the Team Leadership council meetings. At team leadership meetings, he presents potential activities of the program managers in his squad; conducts practice sessions planned by program managers within his squad.

The Order of the Arrow (OA) Team Representative is a youth liaison serving between the local OA lodge or chapter and his team. In his unit, he helps meet the needs of the unit and will serve as a communication and programmatic link to and from Arrowmen, adult leaders and Varsity Scouts who are not presently members of the Order. (Appointed by the Varsity Team Captain)

Sea Scout ship

Exploring post

The Post President is the youth head of the Exploring post. He or she delegates specific responsibilities to other officers and participants, and encourages and follows up to be sure that their jobs have been carried out.